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For a long time now, it’s been a ‘buyers’ market’ rather than a ‘sellers’ market’ and car companies have been trying different ways to draw customers to their brand and products. Sales and aftersales services and facilities have been raised in quality and customers who visit showrooms may be pampered with food and drink, besides a very comfortable environment.

However, in this time of reduced showroom traffic, the car companies are going further in reaching out to customers. For example, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is enhancing its customer services by offering to bring new models to the customer’s home or office for a test-drive.

Added convenience for interested customers
The Home or Office Delivery Test Drive provides convenience to customers who may be busy or just don’t wish to travel to the showroom. The service is available within a 10-km radius of the customer’s chosen dealership.

SDAC FORD

To arrange for the test drive delivery, customers can either contact a Ford dealership nearest to them, submit an online test drive request via the SDAC-Ford website, or send a message to the Ford Digital Salesperson on the WhatsApp sales line at 019 204 1200.

“During this period, we understand that customers are in search of additional services for added convenience. That is why we are providing an additional option of delivering our test drive vehicles to our customers home or office to show our commitment of continuously enhancing our customer support and service,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

Precautionary safety measures will be practiced by the sales consultant upon delivering the test drive vehicle. This includes the use of a face mask, recording of body temperature and sanitising the vehicle. The sales consultant will also be seated at the back to adhere to the current social distancing practices.

Showroom visitors welcome too
“Of course, customers are still welcome at our showrooms. For those who prefer to visit a Ford dealership, they can be assured that the necessary safety precautions to ensure health and safety are being practiced. This includes social distancing, temperature checks upon entering the premises, hand sanitiser dispensers located in the showrooms and frequent sanitising of high frequency touchpoints,” added Tuan Syed Ahmad Muzri.

Other existing touchpoints to assist customers in getting in touch with SDAC include the website chatbot to assist users on website navigation, Customer Care and Road Assist service line which is available 24/7 at 1300 38 3181, online book a service appointment, and submission of enquiries and feedback via the SDAC-Ford website.

Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the Ford models available in Malaysia and the locations of dealerships throughout the country.

Social distancing

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With the ongoing COVID-19 situation which brought businesses in Malaysia to a standstill from March 18, the number of new vehicles sold fell to an unprecedented low, especially in April when no sales or registrations were possible.

However, in May, as the restrictions were relaxed and activity could resume, the car companies could resume deliveries of vehicles already ordered as well as work towards getting new sales. For Perodua, the month of May saw 7,886 cars sold, bringing its year-to-date (YTD) sales total to 52,920 units.

The company presently estimates a YTD Total Industry Volume of 129,401 units, so this would translate to a 41% YTD market share for Perodua.

Perodua delivery

“The situation has had a significant impact on car sales in Malaysia over the past 2 months, but we are thankful that in just 3 weeks since we restarted operations nationwide, we have managed to come close to the level of our March figures pre-Movement Control Order (MCO). We believe we will be able to fulfil our outstanding as well as new orders in a timely manner,” said Perodua President & Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Making up the May sales tally were 2,612 Myvis, 2,028 Axias, 1,820 Bezzas, 950 Aruz and 476 Alzas. Perodua managed to deliver 8,601 cars in March before the MCO came into effect and all activities had to be suspended.

“In this age of social distancing and heightened hygienic awareness, the role played by personal transport becomes all the more important. Vehicles are still needed for short, quick trips out for household essentials, and e-hailing drivers have begun using their vehicles to deliver goods instead of just transporting passengers,” Dato’ Zainal said.

Perodua Bezza
Bezza sedan is a popular model among e-hailing drivers

“Perodua cars are very suitable for such purposes, being compact, affordable, fuel-efficient, dependable, spacious and easy to drive,” he added.

Throughout June, Perodua’s Meaningful Raya campaign is offering special cash redemptions of up to RM1,300 for the Aruz and selected Myvi variants, while buyers of other models will get a RM300 e-voucher that is redeemable for the purchase of selected parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre.

Visit www.perodua.com.my to know more about the models available and special offers.

Social distance

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As the leading car company in the country, Perodua has a huge network of sales and aftersales outlets – all of which had to be closed when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was activated on March 18 this year. Now that the situation regarding the COVID-19 virus has eased a bit – though it has not ended – the government is allowing businesses to resume operations.

However, for Perodua, there are 182 sales, 202 service and 68 Body & Paint outlets nationwide and with the Standard Operating Procedures stipulated by the Health Ministry for the protection of the public as well as employees, the facilities have required some reconfiguration. This is to meet important requirements like social distancing that should be 1 metre apart.

Perodua
Measures such as markers on the floor to guide visitors to stand apart (above) and seating areas also adhere to social distancing requirements (below). Note that the children’s play area is closed off, for safety reasons at this time.

Perodua

“We announce today that we have finally put in place the necessary safeguards at all our outlets nationwide to ensure that our valued customers and employees will be sufficiently protected in the light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Perodua outlets restarted operations on a staggered basis from May 12 and the company has been working hard to ensure all the sufficient health and safety measures are in place.

“We thank our valued customers for their patience and loyalty. We will ensure that all their motoring needs will be met as soon and as safely as possible,” he said.

Perodua factory
Vehicle production resumed on May 11 and the company is now doing its best to fulfil demand as quickly as possible.

Customers looking to service their vehicles are required to secure an appointment slot beforehand with their service centre of choice. Walk-ins will not be accepted at present to avoid crowding.

All visitors to any outlet must undergo temperature checks before entering the outlets, register their details and adhere to social distancing markers within the outlets at all times. Hand sanitisers are placed at key locations, while the outlets themselves are sanitised regularly.

“These safeguards are part and parcel of our commitment to our collective health and safety, towards making the Perodua Experience the best it can be,” said Dato’ Zainal.

To locate a showroom or service centre near you, visit www.perodua.com.my.

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All authorised Honda dealerships throughout Malaysia are now fully operational with regards to both showrooms and service centres. Earlier, only service centres had been permitted to resume operations but under the less restrictive Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), the full range of services can now be provided. However, areas such as children’s play area and cafes will remain closed.

Adhering to the Health Ministry’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), all dealerships will conduct temperature screening for customers and require the use of hand sanitizers (to be available at the facilities). Individuals recording temperature of 37.5 degrees C. and above or are exhibiting symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath will be advised to leave the premises to immediately seek medical attention.

Honda Malaysia

The customer flow at all dealerships has been arranged to have only one entrance and one exit for a more effective check-and-control measure. High traffic or frequently used areas such as the door handles and washrooms are sanitized and disinfected on a regular basis every day.   Upon entrance into the showroom, face masks will be provided to the customers. Both customers and Honda sales advisors are required to wear face masks before engaging in any discussion.

All display cars in the Honda dealerships will be cleaned using certified sanitisers regularly every day. Sales advisors are required to adhere to the recommended social distance of 1 metre from customers during the explanation on the exterior of the Honda models. During the demonstration and explanation of interior features of the car, the sales advisors will sit in the rear seat to maintain social distancing at all times.

Honda Malaysia

The same practices will apply during test-drives, with gloves also being provided for use by customers, with the vehicles being sanitized before and after each test drive session, with particular attention to the areas and accessories that are frequently touched. Honda Malaysia encourages the use of contactless payments using electronic transfers.

With regards to hand-over of new vehicles to customers, Honda Malaysia says that in view of the current situation, customers are advised to limit the number of people present to ONE person to avoid having a large crowd in the showroom.

Honda Malaysia

As reported earlier, customers requiring aftersales services must make an appointment first. The number of customers present at any one time for vehicle service in the dealership is limited at minimum capacity.

For those concerned about their vehicle warranties, the company has made special considerations in view of the restrictions caused by the MCO. Warranties which expired between March 18 and May 12, 2020 are extended until June 11, 2020. Scheduled servicing which was required between March 18 and May 12, 2020 can be done before July 11, 2020.

Honda Malaysia

“Even as our dealers commence operations in full, we will continue to emphasise customers and associates’ safety by practising social distancing as well as following the safety practices and guidelines. We have implemented strict precautions for everyone’s wellbeing,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“Honda Malaysia emphasises that the company is monitoring the development of the situation in the nation closely and working hard to ensure a safe environment in all its operations including dealerships to provide customers with peace of mind when visiting a Honda dealership,” he added.

Social distancing

Social distancePISTON.MY

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

Responding to the Prime Minister’s call to safeguard the welfare of employees to prevent loss of jobs and livelihoods during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is proactively offering subsidies for dealers and sales consultants to alleviate their financial constraints.

For sales consultants, HSDM will provide a special monthly Hardship Allowance for sales consultants from April to June 2020. This is only applicable to those who have been in service for 3 months or more, and not for those serving notice. The subsidy will be distributed through their dealerships.

Hyundai
Sales consultants will receive subsidies in the form of monthly Hardship Allowances from April to June 2020. [File picture taken before MCO]
Dealers are offered financial subsidies for online marketing expenses and purchase of hand sanitisers, disinfectants and thermometers for use at their sales and service outlets. This will be helpful for them as they have to comply with the strict Standard Operating Procedures for the protection of customers as well as staff.

“The pandemic has badly affected the auto sector. We understand the hardship of our dealers and sales consultants, and we hope the subsidy will help ease their financial burden and help with the cost of health and safety measures at all authorised Hyundai sales and service outlets,” said Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.

SDAH Health & Safety Measures

HSDM assures customers and visitors alike that health and safety measures are already in place at service outlets that have reopened. The other sales and service outlets which will soon resume operations will also be taking health and safety measures such as hand sanitisation and temperature checks at all showroom entry points. Sanitisers will also be readily available at all customer touchpoints.

Additionally, there will be regular disinfection of the outlet (especially at high customer touch-point areas), with periodic disinfection of all customer/prospect-related vehicles. Test drive vehicles will be disinfected before and after every test drive in the presence of the customer for assurance.

To create greater awareness for the public regarding good hygiene practises, relevant messages will be shown on table standees, leaflets and posters.

COVID-19

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced that authorised Toyota and Lexus Sales & Service Outlets in its network that are located in areas observing the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) will be open for business from today (May 4, 2020).

The opening of the Sales & Service Outlets will be based on approval and regulations by the respective state governments. This follows approval from the Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI).

All outlets have received guidelines for their daily operations which must be in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by MITI. The SOP requires such measures as social distancing, sanitization of premises and contactless payments where possible.

Service Bay Area

Vehicle owners are advised to call in advance to check on the operating days and hours of their preferred Sales or Service Outlet as well as to secure an appointment before going there. Click here for contact details of the outlets.

“We will follow the SOP strictly at all our Sales & Service Outlets for our customers’ peace of mind as well as to also protect our staff. It is hoped that our customers will understand the requirements which are necessary in the public interest and safety,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

With regards to those vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during the MCO period, there will be a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO (currently scheduled to be May 12, 2020).

COVID-19

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

The current COVID-19 pandemic crisis is depressing and everyone is uncertain about the future. Hopefully, it will come to an end before long and we can return to normalcy although we may need to be more conscious of personal hygiene and care more for each other’s safety.

Where cars are concerned, some may be considering buying a new vehicle, perhaps as an overdue replacement to their old one which may be costing too much to maintain. Or there may just be a need for an additional car in the home.

Proton X70
The latest X70, made in Malaysia.

You can’t go to the showrooms at this time due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) which, hopefully, ends on April 14, 2020. In the meantime, if you are considering the latest Proton X70, the carmaker has launched its WhatsApp chatbot which can provide information on the details, promotions and features of the popular SUV, now made in Malaysia.

The chatbot serves as an alternative channel of communication with Proton and is one of several initiatives the carmaker is taking to provide convenience for customers – while also keeping in mind their safety. It does not, however, respond to natural language or questions from users. Instead, users just need to send replies in the form of numbers to get more information on corresponding topics.

Through the chatbot, accessible via https://bit.ly/HiProtonX70, customers can learn more about X70 variants and their prices, specification, sales offerings, trade-in offers, and Proton Financing. They can also register their interest in making a purchase.

Proton

Incidentally, for those who wish to make a booking at this time, you need to pay only RM99.00 for a new X70 and RM.9.99 for an Iriz, Saga,Persona or Exora. This offer is applicable only for online bookings at www.proton.com.

Social distance

Social distancing

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

With the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the government, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that all authorised Toyota and Lexus dealerships will continue to remain closed.

However, the company reiterated that it continues to be contactable to all customers for any emergencies or enquiries during this period on its existing helplines as well as 5 additional helplines created for this period of time. Customers may contact the following numbers throughout the duration of the MCO.

Toyota

Additionally, it was announced that all vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during this period will enjoy a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.

All service appointments scheduled during this MCO period will be rescheduled after the MCO is lifted and when operations resume. It gives assurance to all customers that support, where necessary, will be provided during this period.

StayAtHome

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If you’re planning on buying a new Ford vehicle but cannot go to the showroom at this time because of the restrictions of the Movement Control Order, you can still start the process using a new service offered by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC). It’s known as the ‘Digital Salesperson’ and is a dedicated WhatsApp live chat line to address customer queries relating to vehicle purchases.

“In light of the Movement Control Order being extended until 14 April 2020, we are introducing an alternative method of a ‘Digital Salesperson’ which will allow customers to continue conversing with us via digital means. This comes as we understand that there are customers wanting to purchase our vehicles, but unable to walk into our showrooms during this period,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

“After the Movement Control Order ends, we will continue to offer this alternative method as we care and understand that customers may still want to limit public exposure,” he added, saying that the service will be available until the end of June 2020 and extended if it is popular.

Ford
The Ford Digital Salesperson can provide information about promotions.

The ‘Digital Salesperson’ can respond to product-related queries as well as provide information on any ongoing sales promotions. This service aims to bridge the gap by linking customers to an actual Ford authorised salesperson located nearest to them. Once connected, customers can know about colour and stock availability as well as loan financing options and other information concerning a purchase.

The ‘Digital Salesperson’ by SDAC is available to assist customers from 9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday. Customers simply need to WhatsApp +6019-204 1200 to start chatting and queries will be attended to within 24 hours.

With the introduction of this alternative option, customers would also be able to transact at their own convenience and pay the deposit for their vehicle – and take advantage of upcoming festive promotions. Once the Movement Control Order is lifted, the necessary documents can be signed and processed.

Ford showroom
The new Ford 3S centre at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, Selangor.

“When the Movement Control Order is lifted, we welcome customers who wish to come in-person to any of our flagship showrooms located at our latest automotive facility, Sime Darby Motors City, in Ara Damansara, as well as our showrooms at other parts of the country,” Jeffrey Gan, MD for Retail & Distribution, Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors, said.

“We would like to assure our customers that we have taken the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of our staff and visitors which includes, practicing social distancing. At certain showrooms, we require all visitors to perform temperatures checks upon entering the premise, in addition to supplying hand sanitiser dispensers located in the showrooms.”

For more information on Ford and the latest promotions, customers may also visit www.sdacford.com.my.

Click here for other news and articles about Ford and SDAC.

StayAtHome

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Sime Darby Swedish Auto Sdn Bhd, which was appointed Volvo Car Malaysia’s dealer-partner in October last year, has completed its new 3S (Sales, Service & Spare Parts) Centre for Volvo customers. To be officially opened on February 20, 2020, the brand new facility is located at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, Selangor.

Besides drawing inspiration from the brand’s Scandinavian-inspired ideals and heritage, the 3S Centre also adheres to Volvo Car’s global retail standard – the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE). It is the first 3S Centre to be equipped with a VR Studio (Virtual Reality Studio) and a Reception at The Counter (RATC) Bay. The 4-storey centre also boasts of being the first fully air-conditioned workshop in Malaysia.

Virtual Reality Studio

While the showroom is situated on the ground floor, the layout differs from traditional retail facilities in that the service centre is on the upper floors. The service centre, which has a car detailing area, is spread across the second and third floors, while a wheel alignment and balancing zone is located on the fourth floor.

There are 14 repair and service bays, of which two are specifically RATC Bays. All customer parking bays will also be equipped with an Electric Vehicle Charger.

Volvo XC40
Volvo XC40 – one of the popular models in the range. It recently won the Premium Compact SUV award in the 18th Malaysia Cars Of The Year Awards.

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